Containment bag for use in a commercial disposal container

ABSTRACT

A non-self supporting containment bag used in conjunction with a dumpster container. The bag has a center opening that extends across the top of the bag, substantially centered on the top of the bag. The top of the bags is formed with sufficient spare material at the ends of the rectangular shaped bag to allow the top to be inverted over the sides of the container. The opening when closed, has sufficient material to form opposing triangular folds that extends above the top of the bag and the top of the container, when the bag is lining the container.

This application is a continuation of U.S. application Ser. No.12/960,032 filed on Dec. 3, 2010, (now U.S. Pat. No. 8,562,212) whichapplication was a continuation-in-part of Ser. No. 11/464,114, filed onAug. 11, 2006 (now U.S. Pat. No. 7,845,511) which is acontinuation-in-part of Ser. No. 11/473,673 filed on Jun. 23, 2006 (nowU.S. Pat. No. 8,499,953), all of which this application claims priorityto and which are hereby incorporated by reference in their entirety.

FIELD OF THE INVENTION

This invention relates to containment bags used with large dumpsterstyle disposal containers in the storage, transportation and disposal ofwastes.

PRIOR ART

In plant renovations or other type of construction or cleanup projects,wastes are generated and stored in large on-site dumpster-containers,such as rolloff containers, end dump containers, and gondola rail carcontainers. When hazardous materials (such as tank cleaning sludge, wetor dry waste materials, chemical plant by-products, rail wastes, highheat wastes), odorous materials, or fine particulate matter (forinstance, incinerator ashes, powders, asbestos materials) are to bestored in an onsite dumpster container for later transportation anddisposal, it is desirable to line the container to protect the containerfrom exposure to the materials and to make later disposal easier.Currently, either large sheets of plastic are used to line the containeror container bags are utilized. The existing container bags haveopenings that are closable using a series of ties or cords. Given thelarge size of the containers, closing the series of ties can be a timeconsuming chore. Further, the ties fail to make an effective closure,allowing small particle materials to leak.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

The invention consists of non-self supporting containment bagconstructed with a single top opening, with sufficient spare material atthe ends of the rectangular shaped bag to allow the top to be invertedover the sides of the container. The opening is then closed. The bag mayinclude a plurality of pick-up or attachment loops or handles may alsobe attached to the outer bag material. The bag may additionally have aninternal lining.

OBJECTS OF THE INVENTION

It is an object of the invention to provide a simple easily installableliner for a dumpster container that is sealable.

It is another object to provide a liner for use in a dumpster containerhaving attachment or pick-up handles.

It is another object of the invention to provide a containment bag foruse in a dumpster container having a secondary liner on the interior ofthe containment bag.

It is an object to the invention to have an easily manufactured bag froma single piece of fabric, including a multilayered piece of fabric.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

FIG. 1 is a perspective view of a rolloff container.

FIG. 2 is a perspective view of an end dump container.

FIG. 3 is a perspective view of a gondola rail car container.

FIG. 4 shows a series of prior art container bags.

FIG. 5 is a perspective view of the containment bag invention.

FIG. 6 is a perspective view of another embodiment of the containmentbag invention.

FIG. 7A is a plan view of the single sheet construction.

FIG. 7B is a plan view of the folded sheet of FIG. 7A.

FIG. 7C is a perspective view of the cylinder formed by joining thesides of the sheet in FIG. 7B.

FIG. 7D is a perspective view of the cylinder in FIG. 7C with a bottomseam.

FIG. 8A is a perspective view of the bag of FIG. 7D with a flattenedbottom.

FIG. 8B is a top view of the bag of FIG. 8A.

FIG. 8C is a perspective view of the bag of FIG. 8A with the triangularfolds removed.

FIG. 8D is a top view of the bag in FIG. 8C.

FIG. 9A is a plan view of the single piece construction removing fabricbefore assembly.

FIG. 9B is a plan view of a two piece construction embodiment having aseparate bottom.

FIG. 9C is a plan view of a two piece construction using two overlappingpanels.

FIG. 10 is a perspective view of the completed bag of FIG. 8 with thetop zipper closed.

FIG. 11A is a perspective view of the competed bag of FIG. 10 placed ina container with the top zippered closed.

FIG. 11B is a perspective view of the completed bag of FIG. 10 in acontainer with the top open and inverted.

FIG. 12 is a perspective view of a two layer single piece constructionhaving two closable tops.

FIG. 13A is a is a side view of one embodiment of an edge strip.

FIG. 13B is a top view of another embodiment of an edge strip FIG. 13Cis a side view of another embodiment of an edge strip.

FIG. 14A is a prospective view of a lined bag with lining detached abovethe edge strip, where the liner extends above the exterior bag fabric.

FIG. 14B is a perspective view of the bag of FIG. 14A where the topportion of the liner has been folded inside bag exterior.

FIG. 15A is a plan view of the single piece double layered fabriccomposed showing an inner zipper and outer zipper. The view is aninterior facing view.

FIG. 15B is a top view showing of a double zippered bag showing therelationship of the zippers.

FIG. 16 is a prospective view of one embodiment of a closed liner bagdepicting one embodiment of a linking strap between the triangular foldsafter folding across the bag top.

FIG. 17 is a prospective view of one embodiment of a liner bag depictingattachment of the linking strap shown in FIG. 16.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

Three existing dumpster type containers are shown in FIGS. 1-3: a rolloff container (FIG. 1), an end-dump container (FIG. 2) and a rail cargondola (FIG. 3). These containers range in size from 67′×10′×6′ for arail gondola to 16′×8′×4′ for an end dumpster container. Shown in FIG. 4are typical prior art container bags. FIG. 4a shows a single spoutcontainer bag 100 having a series of grab loops 101. The grab loops 101are used to attach and support the container bag to a dumpstercontainer. The single spout 104 provides access to the interior of thebag for loading materials into the container bag. After loading, thesingle spout would be tied shut with a suitable tie, such as a rope. Thespout type bag can come with multiple spout configurations as shown inFIG. 4d.

FIG. 4b shows a prior art cigar top bag 300. The cigar top bag 300 has atop opening 301, which is closable by a cover 304 having a series ofties 302 located around the periphery of the top opening 301. Ties 302attach to loops 303. FIG. 4c shows a prior art bread bag style containerbag 400. The bread bag style is similar to the cigar top bag except theopening in the cigar top bag is located on the end instead of the top.Again, the opening is closable by tying a series of ties 402 to amatching series of loops 403. Also shown is a series of handles, shownhere shown as loops 404, for attaching and supporting the container bagto a disposal container. Prior art bags are generally constructed ofpolypropylene and may have an interior lining 409, such as apolyethylene barrier attached to the interior of the bag shell.

Shown in FIG. 5 is containment bag 1. Containment bag 1 is made of anon-self supporting material and is designed to be inserted in acommercial dumpster container. The containment bag 1 may be made ofwoven or non-woven materials with a 3-6 oz woven polypropylenepreferred. Other materials such as polyvinyl chloride (PVC, reinforcedor non-reinforced), woven or non-woven polyethylene or other suitablematerials, such as woven fiberglass may be used. The bag material mayalso be coated, such as woven or non-woven polypropylene bag having apolyethylene or polypropylene coating placed on the interior or exteriorof the bag.

The bag should have an opening 2 that is closable. Bag opening 2 shouldbe placed on the bag for ease of loading and storage of materials and,in some instances, for ease of removal of the stored materials. Forinstance, the bag shown in FIG. 5 has two closable openings, onepositioned on the top of the bag 3, and one positioned on the side ofthe bag 4. The two openings are shown for demonstration purposes. In thestandard embodiment, a container bag will have a single opening. Asshown, the openings are closable with a closing means, such as a zipper.A preferred zipper is a #10 coil nylon zipper, with two pulls positionedon the zipper tracks. Other zipper or zipper types can be used.

Also shown are support handles 5. The support handles 5 can serve twopurposes: (1) to attach the bag to the container, and thereby supportthe bag for fill; and, in some instances, (2) to assist in moving orremoval of the bag from the container. Handles 5 can be loops, such asdouble D-ring straps or 2-inch loops, or lines or ties, and can be madefrom suitable materials, such as polypropylene or polyester webbing.When used to attach the bag to the container, the handles will attach topoints on the container, generally, at least one handle on each corner(see FIGS. 1 and 2 showing containers having a fabric top attached tothe container with handles).

Additionally, the bag 1 may incorporate a separate inner liner 10 (notshown). Inner liners are useful when the stored materials are wet orliquids. Suitable material can be low-density polyethylene, with 6-10mil thickness being preferred. One such liner is disclosed in U.S. Pat.No. 5,110,005, herein incorporated by reference. Inner liner may be sewnto the outer bag, or attached by other means, for instance heat-sealedto the outer bag.

Shown in FIG. 6 is another embodiment of the container bag 4. Bag 4 isshown having a single top opening, closable with a zipper. Also shownare loops 5 on one side of the top and a series of straps 6 on theopposite topside. As shown, the matching loops are D-ring loops 7. Thestraps are of length sufficient to cross the top surface of the bag andtie into loops on the opposite top side. The straps may be tied into orcoupled to straps positioned on the opposite side instead of tied intoD-rings. When so secured, these straps help resist “flapping” of the bagtop during transport in an open container, such as a railcar gondola.

As can be seen, when the bag of FIGS. 5 and 6 is opened, the containertop opening is substantially aligned with the bag opening. Thisalignment provided for access to the container interior from anywherealong the container top edge.

Another bag design that provides access to the entire interior of thecontainer is a single centered zippered bag, having excess material onthe top surface to allow the top to be folded over the top edge of thecontainer, in an inside out relationship. The following is a descriptionof the construction of such a bag using a single sheet of material (or asingle sheet of multilayered materials.

A preferred means of construction is to build the bag from a singlefabric sheet 1005 or a single multilayer fabric sheet. The multiplesheets can be coextensive when laid on top of one another, or theinnermost fabric can be shorter in height than that of the outermostfabric if it is not desired to have the top of the resulting bag lined.Additionally, multilayered designs are possible. For ease ofexplanation, construction will be described using a single sizedmultilayer fabric piece, with two side edges 1001A and 1001B, a bottomedge 1001C, and a top edge 1001D, as shown in FIG. 7A. Using a singlefabric piece constructed in the present manner, the resultingconstructed bag will have a center opening on the bag top, preferablyclosable with a zipper 1070, such as shown in FIG. 10. To construct thebag with a zippered opening, one side of a zipper chain 1005 is attachedone of the long edges of the fabric, shown in FIG. 7A, at the top edge.Generally, a sewn attachment is preferred, and to form a seam. It ispreferred that the edges of the fabric on the seam be folded over about1.5-2 inches to create extra strength at the seam. This is desirable forall seams in the bag or liner.

Also attached lengthwise and parallel to the half zipper chain is astrap band 1006. In the present embodiment, this strip is positioned sothat when the bag is complete, the strap band 1006 is positioned at ornear the top edge of the completed bag. The strap band 1006 can beeliminated depending if top closure straps are not needed. If the strapband is not used, it is still desired, in a multilayered fabricembodiment, to place a stitch along a horizontal line at or near thelocation that will become the top edge of the completed bag. Such astitch or join will keep the inner liner top from separating from theouter liner top and collapsing into the bag interior.

For instance, to form an 8′4″×8′10′ bag, a single or multilayer fabricpiece of 12′×14′6′ is used. To construct the bag, the single piece ofbag fabric 1001 has the two ends 1001A and 1001B joined together,creating an opened top and bottom oblong cylinder FIG. 7C. The bottomedge of the cylinder 1001C (the edge opposite that having the zipperedge) is closed by attaching (preferably a sewn attachment) the opposingsides of the bottom edge of the cylinder (e.g. flatten the cylinder,creating two opposed sides, and attach the opposed sides). See FIG. 7D.The resulting structure resembles an open end toothpaste tube, with aseam 1008 running across the tube's bottom and up one side 1007. It ispreferred that the tube like structure be created in a single step: thefabric piece 1001 is folded to align edges 1001A and 1001B, and a join(such as by sewing) edges 1001A and 100B together, and the opposingsides of the folded bottom edge 1001C joined together, creating a bottomseam 1008 and single side seam 1007 (see FIG. 7B).

If a rectangular box like structure is desired for the bottom, thebottom closed end of the tube structure is flattened inwardly, withexcess bottom fabric forming two triangular shaped flaps 1010A and 1010Bthat extend outwardly from the tube bottom (see FIGS. 8A and 8B). It ispreferred that the triangular folds 1010A and 1010B be formed so thatthe bottom seam or join 1008 forms the perpendicular bisector of thetriangular flaps 1010A and B (see FIG. 8B). Each triangular flap 1010Aand 1010B is cut or sheared off and the cut edges joined (preferably bysewing) creating two bottom edge seams, 1011A and 1011B. The resultingstructure now approximates a rectangularly shaped open top boxstructure, having two long sidewalls 1020, two shorter endwalls 1030 anda bottom 1040. See FIG. 8C. As seen in FIG. 8D, the bottom of thestructure has a seam running down the center of the bottom 1008 andalong the two edges of the bottom 1031 adjacent the endwalls. In thepreferred embodiment, one of the endwalls 1030 has a seam 1007 runningfrom the top to the bottom edge (see FIG. 8C). The fabric 1050 that willform these triangular folds can be removed or excised from the singlefabric piece prior to assembly (such as shown in FIG. 9A), but this isnot preferred, as it makes seam alignment during construction morecritical for quality control. Alternatively, instead of removing thesetriangular folds, the folds could be folded up and attached to the endwalls or folded down and attached to the bottom of the structure. Inmany instances, the bottom structure can remain a tube like structure,without adjustments for rectangular shape.

As described above, an open top boxlike or (tubelike) structure isconstructed from a single fabric sheet. Alternatively, this samestructure may be formed from two fabric pieces, the first fabric pieceforming the sidewalls of the structure having the ½ zipper chain 1005attached and strap band 1006 attached. A separate bottom is then sewnin, such as shown in FIG. 9B, but this is not preferred.

The next step is to form the top of the bag. Along the open top edge1001D of the boxlike structure 1060 is the single side of a zipper chain1005. The opposing sides of the open top are now operationally joinedinto a closable opening by attaching a zipper slide to the two halfzipper chains, creating a functional zipper 1070. Two zipper slides maybe added if desired. Zipper stops are added at the two opposing ends ofthe zipper to maintain the zipper slide on the resulting zipper 1070. A#10 nylon coil zipper has been employed. The zippered top, when closed,again creates a toothpaste tube-like top end. The top end is pushedinwardly, again creating two triangular folds 1060A and 1060B on the top1080 of the box shaped bag with the zipper bisecting the two triangularfolds. See FIG. 10. As shown in FIG. 10, boxlike bag structure now hasthe strap band 1006 positioned adjacent or near the top periphery of theedge forming the top portion 1080 of the bag.

These top triangular flaps, 1060A and 1060B, are designed to allow thetop, when unzipped along the centerline, to be inverted “inside out”thereby allowing the top portion 1080 be folded over the edges of thecontainer or frame that the bag is placed in, thereby exposing theinterior of the bag, and the exposed opening is substantially alignedwith the open top of the container or frame. The bag is now ready forloading. (See FIGS. 11A and B showing a container with bag placedinside). As described, the top opening of the bag has a zipper closuredevice, but other closure means could be used, such as ties, loops,Velcro, etc.

When used for debris, the bag may include an inner support liner 30,lining all or part of the interior. The liner can be constructed inmultiple layers of differing fabrics or materials for strength, punctureresistance, water resistance, or other desired physical properties.Generally, the inner liner will be a nonwoven layer and the outer layera woven material. Sandwiched between the two layers may be a liquidimpervious material. A preferred material for the innermost layer isnon-woven polypropylene of various weights. One embodiment uses a 16ozweight material. A preferred material for the outermost layer is a wovenpolypropylene: a typical weight is 6.0 oz. The outer woven polypropylenelayer may have a coating on one side (generally the exterior side) ofpolyethylene, such as 1-2 mills thickness. A layer impervious to waterand other liquids that can be used is a polyethylene material, such as6-10 mil thickness. Other materials such as polyvinyl chloride (PVC,reinforced or non-reinforced), woven or non-woven polyethylene or othersuitable materials, such as woven fiberglass, may be used.

When using a multilayered construction, each of the layers may each haveseparate closure means, such as separate zippers, such as shown in FIG.14A. If two zippers are used, the liner and exterior fabric can beattached near the zippers, or only joined at the edge strip 1006, orjoined between the edge strip and the zippers. If joined or attached atthe edge strip or substantially below the zippers, the liner andexterior fabric remain as separate flaps above the topmost join orconnection between the inner and outer fabrics. Each can have a halfzipper chain 1005A and 1005B attached, as shown in FIG. 12. The linermay be cut slightly shorter (2-4 inches) then the topmost fabric (the“topmost” fabric is that fabric that will form the exterior facingfabric), allowing both the liner and outer fabric to be zippered shutseparately. Alternatively, both inner and outer lining can be joinedtogether when the ½ chain zipper is added if the inner liner is cutshorter (1-2 inches) or the inner zipper ½ chain 2050 is attached about1-2 inches below the top edge (see FIGS. 15A and B). The separation ofthe inner ½ chain zipper 2050 from the outer ½ chain zipper 2060provides enough freedom between the two zippers on the assembled bag toallow closure of the inner then closure of the outer completed zipper.

Also, the inner liner 3010 may be cut longer, and not attached to theouter fabric 3000 near the top zipper chain 1007. It is preferred,however, that the inner liner be attached to the outer fabric near thetop edge or at the edge strip (is so equipped). The enclosure is formedwith the inner liner (zippered or not) 3010 extending above the top ofthe outer fabric 3000 (see FIG. 14 A). The inner liner 30010 extendingabove the join or seam where the two liners are connected strip is thenfolded into the interior of the enclosure. See FIG. 14B showing theconnection at the edge strip. The top of the bag is then assembled asdescribed above. In use, both exterior and interior fabric is foldedinside out near the top section to overlap the container. After thecontainer is filled, the inner liner is re-inverted and can be closed(by zipper if so equipped or the material gathered and tied, etc) orjust folded over the debris in the bag. The outer fabric is thenre-inverted, and zippered shut.

The edge strip 1006, if attached, may be used as a means of attachingthe bag support handles 5 (if so equipped) and to provide a place toaffix or attach top straps, it the bag is so equipped (the handles 5 maybe separately attached to the bag, such as shown on the bag depicted inFIG. 6). One version of the edge strip 1006 is shown in FIG. 13A. Asshown, it is a single wide webbing band (about 2 inches wide polyesterwebbing) with slits 1061 positioned along a line offset from the bandcenter line. The band is sewn to the bag near the bag top edge, and theslits 1061 in the band are positioned to accommodate top straps and/orsupport handles. Top straps and support handles can be equipped withclip end to clip into the slits, or the top straps and/or supporthandles could be threaded through and tied to the slit, or a top strappositioned on each opposing side of the edge strip, and joined acrossthe top of the bag, such as with a snap clip, carabiner, etc. or simplytied to one another.

Instead of a single band with slits as shown in FIG. 13A, the edge strip1006 can be constructed from two bands, one a straight band 1006A thatwill be attached to the bag's side and end walls, and as second band1006B that is attached to the first band 1006A leaving undulationscreating openings between the first and second bands. A top view is ofthis two band arrangement is shown in FIG. 13B. Alternatively, the edgestrip 1006 may be a single band with grommets 1009 instead of slitspositioned periodically therethrough (FIG. 13C), to clip or tied supporthandles or top straps to the edge strip. The edge strip may beconstructed from 1.5-2.5 inch polypropylene or polyester webbing,1.5-2.5 inch elastic knitted latex webbing, or other suitable material,such a polyethylene, polypropylene or nylon.

The two triangular shaped folds may be secured to each other with alinking strap 2000 or other type of connector, such as a linearconnector (rope, strap or band, bungy cord, etc), to allow thetriangular shaped folds be drawn down toward one another and secured toone another or to the top of the container, adjacent to the closed topportion of the containment bag. See FIGS. 16 and 17.

It is intended that the following claims be interpreted as covering allsuch alterations and modifications as fall within the true spirit andscope of the invention.

The invention claimed is:
 1. A containment bag for use in a dumpstercontainer having a plurality of sidewalls defining a top and a bottom,said bottom being closed, said top being substantially open foraccepting bulk materials, said plurality of sidewalls including twoopposing endwalls, and said bottom defining a dumpster containerinterior, said containment bag comprising a bag adapted to fit withinand line the interior of said dumpster container, said containment baghaving a top portion substantially alignable with said top of saiddumpster container, said containment bag further having a top edgealignable with the open top of said dumpster container when saidcontainment bag is positioned in and lining a dumpster container, saidcontainment bag having a closable opening positioned on said top portionand said closable opening substantially centered on said top portion,said containment bag top portion being adapted to form two opposingtriangular shaped folds that extend above said top of said dumpstercontainer when said closable opening is closed; and when said closableopening is opened, and said triangular shaped folds are unfolded, saidclosable opening on said top portion of said containment bag can besubstantially aligned with the open top of a dumpster container whensaid containment bag is positioned in and lining the dumpster container,said top portion, when said closable opening is opened and saidtriangular folds are unfolded, is adapted to be inverted inside out oversaid top of said dumpster container; said containment bag beingconfigured to allow said top portion triangular shaped folds to bepositioned and retained in a folded position immediately adjacent theremaining portion of said top portion of said containment bag when saidcontainment bag is loaded and said closable opening is closed, whereinsaid closable opening has two terminal ends, said containment bagfurther having a linear connector attachable to said bag top near saidtwo terminal ends of said closable opening, said linear connectoradapted to draw said terminal ends of said closable opening toward oneanother thereby drawing said top portion triangular shaped folds towardsone another in order to position and retain said triangular shaped foldsin a folded position immediately adjacent the remaining portion of saidtop portion of said containment bag when said containment bag is loadedand said closable opening is closed.
 2. The containment hag according toclaim 1 wherein said containment bag further has a lining positioned onsaid interior surface of said containment bag.
 3. The containment bagaccording to claim 2 wherein said liner further has a top portion havinga second separate closeable opening substantially centered on said linertop portion.
 4. The containment bag according to claim 2 wherein saidliner and said bag are joined to each other near said opening.
 5. Thecontainment bag according to claim 1 further having a series of handlespositioned near said top portion.
 6. The containment bag according toclaim 1 adapted to fit into the interior of a dumpster containerselected from the set of roll off containers, gondola rail carcontainers and end dump containers and the dumpster container includes asidewall of at least four feet in height.
 7. The containment bagaccording to claim 1 wherein said containment bag is constructed of awoven material.
 8. A containment bag according to claim 7 wherein wovenmaterial is woven polypropylene.
 9. A containment bag for use in adumpster container having a plurality of sidewalls defining a top and abottom, said bottom being closed, said top being substantially open foraccepting bulk materials, said plurality of sidewalls including twoopposing endwalls, and said bottom defining a dumpster containerinterior, said containment bag comprising a bag configured to fit withinand line the interior of said dumpster container, said containment baghaving a top portion substantially alignable with said top of saiddumpster container, said containment bag further having a top edgealignable with the open top of said dumpster container when saidcontainment bag is positioned in a dumpster container, said containmentbag having a closable opening positioned on said top portion and saidclosable opening substantially centered on said top portion, saidcontainment bag top portion being configured to form two opposingtriangular shaped folds that extend above said top of said dumpstercontainer when said closable opening is closed; and when said closableopening is opened, and said triangular shaped folds are unfolded, saidclosable opening on said top portion of said containment bag can besubstantially aligned with the open top of a dumpster container whensaid containment bag is positioned in the dumpster container, said topportion, when said closable opening is opened and said triangular foldsare unfolded, is configured to be inverted inside out over said top ofsaid dumpster container; said containment bag being configured to allowsaid top portion triangular shaped folds to be positioned and retainedin a folded position immediately adjacent the remaining portion of saidtop portion of said containment bag when said containment bag is loadedand said closable opening is closed, wherein said closable opening hastwo terminal ends, said containment bag further having linking strapsattachable to said top of said bag configured to secure said twoopposing triangular shaped folds to each other in a position adjacent tosaid top portion of said containment bag.